Golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Golden monkey trekking safari in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is an exciting activity that includes tourists searching for habituated golden monkey families in the forest while on foot. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park supports a diverse range of wildlife with many habitats like bamboo Forest, alpine vegetation and montane forest. Wildlife species in the park include bushpigs, golden monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, duikers, buffaloes and many others. The park is also home to more than 180 bird species including waxbills, sunbirds, black and white casqued hornbill among others.

The tracking experience with golden monkeys takes one hour of observation. This time is carefully planned to lessen human impact on the natural behavior and environment of monkeys. During this hour, visitors have a chance to watch their playful antics, social interactions and feeding habits up close. Tourists can also take photos and videos with less or no flash light to avoid disturbance. You are also expected to keep a distance of at least 5 meters. Additionally, only group sizes of 8 people per group are accepted.

Although golden monkey trekking is not as physically demanding as gorilla trekking, it needs a moderate level of fitness. Mgahinga gorilla National Park also offers monkey habituation safari experiences that give tourists a maximum time of 4 hours with monkeys.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located in the Virunga mountains that stretch across Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo boarders. It was established in 1991 which makes it one of the youngest national parks and the only protected area in Uganda with golden monkeys. Tourists can also find golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Kahuzi Beiga National Park in Democratic Republic of Congo and Virunga National Park.

About golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

The trek starts with a briefing at the park headquarters in the morning where visitors are informed about the rules and regulations of golden monkey trekking to ensure both their safety and the protection of the monkeys. After briefing, an experienced guide leads the way into the forest and this activity takes 30 minutes to 3 hours depending on where the golden monkeys are located because they usually move place to place in search for food. Tourists have to lookout for fresh leftovers of bamboo shoots and leaves because unlike mountain gorillas, golden monkeys are small in size and do not leave behind clear evidence of their presence.

Upon finding the golden monkeys, you are allowed to spend one hour in their presence while watching them enjoy their daily activities. This is the time for taking photos and videos of them feeding, grooming and playing.

Prices for golden monkey trekking permits

A golden monkey trekking permit is a legal document issued to visitors above 15 years by the Uganda Wildlife Authority allowing them to stay with a golden monkey family for one hour in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. A permit costs 60,000 UGX per person per trek for East African Citizens, 100 USD for foreign residents and 100 USD for foreign non-residents. This price caters for services of a park guide, park entry fees and one hour with the golden monkeys.

Booking golden monkey trekking permits

Booking golden monkey trekking permits can be done in two ways that is through Giant Holiday Safaris, a reputable tour company or Uganda Wildlife Authority. You can choose to book Permits in advance as well as on ground from the park headquarters since the park has no minimum number of visitors required.

Tourists are advised to book their permits at least 2 to 4 months in advance before their trek date to avoid disappointments since these permits sell our very fast during the peak seasons of December to February and June to September.

What to pack for a golden monkey trekking tour in Mgahinga

Preparing for a trek means packing essential items that you may need during your tour so that you enjoy your experience. Since Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is mountainous with challenging roads, the following items should not miss in your bag;

Lightweight breathable clothes. choose moisture-wicking fabrics that keep you dry and comfortable.

Waterproof Jacket. This protects you from unexpected showers and keep you dry during the trek.

Comfortable Footwear.  choose well-fitting hiking boots with good ankle support because trails can be slippery.

Hat and Gloves. A wide-brimmed hat protects you from the sun, while lightweight gloves provide extra warmth during cold mornings.

 Daypack. A small comfortable backpack is important for carrying your personal items like water, snacks, and any additional layers of clothing.

Walking Stick.  A walking stick or a trekking pole gives you extra stability on uneven paths and reduce tiredness during longer treks.

Water Bottle. Staying hydrated is important during any physical activity.

Snacks. Pack lightweight snacks such as energy bars or dried fruit to energize you during the hike.

Sunscreen. This Protects your skin from UV rays.

Insect Repellent. The repellent wards off insects that may bite you and cause malaria.

First Aid Kit.  This contains band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers and any personal medications. It helps in treating minor injuries.

Binoculars. These help you to observe golden monkeys and other wildlife from a distance.

Camera or Smartphone. These help you in capturing the incredible moments of your trek.

Trekking Permit.  Obtain your golden monkey trekking permit in advance through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or Giant Holiday Safaris, a reputable tour operator.

Identification. Carry a legal passport or identification for verification purposes at the park entry points.

Best time for a golden monkey trekking trip in Mgahinga

The dry season in the months of June, August, September, December, January and February is the best season for Golden monkey trekking. During this period, there is little or no rainfall which means drier paths and easy trekking in the forest. Moreso, vegetation is thin and the skies are clear which gives you an opportunity to clearly see the golden monkeys and other inhabitants of the forest. Golden monkeys are also more active during the dry season which makes it easy to spot them. You are reminded that the peak season is associated with more visitors and higher accommodation prices.

Alternatively, visitors can do golden monkey trekking during the rainy season during months of March to May and September to November. The rainy season keeps golden monkeys in lower elevations which makes them easy to spot. In addition, this period comes with fewer tourists which means having a private and a peaceful tour. Accommodation is also affordable during this season which benefits visitors that want to travel on a budget.

Accommodation while on a golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga park

Mgahinga Gorilla NationaL Park has accommodation options that are categorized into luxury, mid-range and budget facilities.

Lodge options include Mount gahinga lodge, Mucha hotel Kisoro, Mgahinga rest camp, Amajambere Iwacu community camp, Kisoro tourist hotel, Mutanda lake resort, Lake chahafi resort, Mulehe safari lodge, Ikaze cottages, Mgahinga gorilla triangle lodge, Montana guest house, Traveller’s rest hotel Kisoro and others.

How to access Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

The park can be accessd by using road or air transport.

By road transport, you need to drive from Kampala through Masaka, Kisoro to the park. This takes about 9 to 10 hours. In case you are driving from Kigali, drive to Kisoro through Cyanika border in Kisoro or Katuna border in Kabale. This takes 4 hours to the park.

By air transport, Book a scheduled or charter flight with Aero Link Uganda from Kajjansi Airfield or Entebbe International Airport to Kisoro airstrip. From here you can connect to the park using a safari vehicle. You can also reach the park by flying into Kigali International Airport in Rwanda and taking a chartered flight to Kisoro airstrip which is near Mgahinga Park.

For any inquiries about golden monkey trekking in Uganda, please contact Giant Holiday Safaris.